Executive Director

OVERVIEW

The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI) is a 23-year-old statewide organization whose mission is to make a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer through education and research. With the support of its dedicated, mission-driven volunteers and donors, CT BHI has raised and awarded over $5 million to innovative and impactful research throughout Connecticut, and every single dollar raised has stayed in the state.  

The rise in breast cancer, particularly among younger people, is a cause for deep concern. 
In Connecticut, nearly 4,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. The state has the second highest breast cancer incidence rate in the nation. One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.  

CT BHI is committed to finding answers by supporting breakthrough research and innovation in Connecticut and prioritizes programs that have not yet qualified for federal grants. This early financial support can then lead to larger funding opportunities. 

Research is the answer to breast cancer: Research is imperative. Survivorship quality of life is non-negotiable.

THE ROLE

CT BHI seeks a passionate, talented Executive Director to build upon more than two decades of success and guide the organization into its next chapter. 

The Executive Director will hold overall fundraising and operational responsibility for CT BHI’s achievement of its mission, growth, and sustainability. The Executive Director will closely collaborate with board members and volunteers and manage a small team of staff and consultants. 

CT BHI’s next leader will bring creativity, substantial experience in fundraising, a proven track record of developing relationships with donors and corporate sponsors, and a history of nurturing existing relationships and cultivating new funding sources.

The Executive Director will be an exceptional communicator with a talent for inspiring audiences, enhancing an organization’s profile, and sharing the stories of those impacted by breast cancer and the innovative work of our Connecticut researchers. The next leader will have a strong background in strategic marketing and will have demonstrated experience using social media to reach new audiences.

The Executive Director will possess exceptional interpersonal skills and will be adept at forging authentic relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and understands how to manage a volunteer-driven organization.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, dynamic leader and exceptional fundraiser who inspires audiences and values relationships. The Executive Director brings a command of nonprofit fundraising, is a skilled communicator, and has a deep passion for finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Vision

• Provide the overall strategic direction for the organization 
• Voice a clear, compelling vision for the organization that galvanizes donors, volunteers, and community members 
• Embody a passion for CT BHI’s mission 

Fundraising

• Lead CT BHI’s fundraising to grow the organization's capacity and sustainability
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and development plan that diversifies funding sources, including exploring new geographies, bequests and estate planning opportunities for donors, and other creative development strategies 
• Build new and expand existing relationships and create engagement opportunities with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations 
• Responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events in collaboration with volunteers and staff
• Inspire confidence in CT BHI’s work and create a network of committed, engaged supporters

Communications and External Affairs

• Continue to share CT BHI’s mission and its impact in breast cancer education and research in Connecticut
• Oversee communications and marketing strategies to drive effective, compelling messaging for media and public engagement  
• Build partnerships and relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including volunteers, community members impacted by breast cancer, business leaders, donors, community partners, advocates, universities, hospitals, and the research community

Organizational and People Management

• Manage, grow, and support a dedicated base of volunteers with enthusiasm, flexibility, and kindness; supervise part-time staff and vendors
• Develop, support, and collaborate with a dedicated Board of Directors; seek and build board engagement with strategy, governance, financial oversight, and resource development 
• Oversee the financial management of the organization, ensuring CT BHI is financially sound  
• Develop and oversee the organization's internal operations, policies, and procedures
• Promote collaboration amongst all parts of the organization, including fostering open communication and building a culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

CT BHI recognizes that the Executive Director could bring various experiences and backgrounds to the role. We are seeking candidates who will bring a majority of the following to the role:

• A passion for CT BHI’s mission and an understanding of breast cancer’s impact
• Proven, enthusiastic, creative fundraiser and event planner with 7+ years of experience; nonprofit experience strongly preferred 
• Ability to provide visionary and aspirational leadership to advance the mission of CT BHI; someone who can bring energy, a deep sense of purpose, and a spirit of joy and hope to the work 
• Creativity, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn 
• A commitment to honoring the organization’s history while moving toward its next chapter 
• Strong background in strategic marketing and communications 
• Outstanding communications skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and serve as the face of the organization  
• Knowledge of and, ideally, relationships inside of Connecticut’s healthcare systems and/or cancer research institutions 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with an impressive history of forging and cultivating authentic relationships with internal and external stakeholders  
• Collaborative, inclusive leader who values a diversity of ideas and voices 
• Excellent people manager who supports and empowers volunteers and staff  
• Financial management experience, including developing, managing, and monitoring an annual budget that aligns with organizational goals 
• Organizational management skills with the ability to develop and implement systems, policies, and procedures 
• Organized and solutions-oriented with strong project management skills 
• Self-sufficient and resourceful leader who understands the opportunities and challenges of working in a nonprofit 
• Ability to develop, support, and collaborate with an active, knowledgeable, and passionate Board of Directors

SALARY

The salary range for this position is 75,000 – 85,000, commensurate with experience.

LOCATION

This position is based in New Britain, CT. The Executive Director should expect to travel throughout the state as necessary.

CT Breast Health Initiative is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a healthy and inclusive environment for our workplace and community.